Can you still join the military with ADHD, Why isn’t it fair? or depression

Can you still join the military with ADHD? The policy regarding the original proposal has been changed. Here is an introduction to the newly revised criteria.

Can you still join the military with ADHD or depression?

MilitaryEzyInfo.com – Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is one of the most restricted health categories when it comes to being drafted into the U.S. military.

ADHD alone does not qualify a person for military service, but the Department of Defense (DOD) has imposed significant restrictions on the enlistment of those diagnosed with ADHD and/or those who have previously received medication. imposed on them.

Under the DOD’s enlistment medical standards, which were last updated in 2018, ADHD is considered a disqualifying condition if the applicant for enlistment cannot be disqualified:

• Has been prescribed medication for ADHD within the past two years.
• Has had an IEP or 504 plan or work requirement recommended or prescribed after 14 years.
• Has a history of comorbid mental illness.
• Has documentation that adversely affects academic, professional, or work performance.

Army, Navy, Marines, Coast Guard, Air Force – Individuals with ADHD need a medical waiver to be able to enlist with the branch if they meet these points Typically, applicants are able to come off medication for a few months and work without it in order for them to count toward the medical waiver to prove that they can work without it to count towards the medical exemption. However, each branch seems to have different criteria that applicants must meet before they can apply for or qualify for an exemption.

DoD regulations have changed over the years. in 2004, applicants with ADHD could enter the workforce if they showed satisfactory academic performance and had not used drugs in the past year. in 2010, the criteria were changed to be more like the guidelines for people with ADHD today. In 2010, the criteria were changed to be more similar to the guidelines for people with ADHD today. The DoD could also refuse to hire them at the time for the following reasons:

• If they had been taking the drug more than once a day for more than two years after the age of 14.
• If they failed to maintain at least a 2.0 GPA without housing.
• If a medical professional stated that the medication was necessary for an acceptable occupational or work activity.

Can you still join the military with ADHD, Why isn’t it fair?

As a clinical psychologist who has worked with people with ADHD for over 30 years, I can tell you that military policy has effectively cut off a population of capable, competent, and intelligent people from a very valuable career path.

A military service is a great option for people with ADHD, many of whom do well in structured environments and thrive on the activities that military service does in spades.

The problem with military guidelines is that they try to reduce the population by labeling them in the first place. It may be that the customs regulations of each ministry allow for consideration of individuals. However, as written, the military is arbitrarily applying general policies to people with ADHD.

One of the misconceptions about ADHD, for example, is that these people are unable to pay attention and therefore are not suited for certain positions or situations. However, this is not true – the biology of ADHD includes the ability to hyperfocus intensely when a person finds something interesting – with or without medication. Depending on the person, the job, and their level of interest and talent for the job, a person with ADHD can do very well in many jobs in the military.

Not all people with ADHD take or need medication in addition to that. Also, just because you took medication a while ago does not mean you will need it now or in the future. Some people may only take medication at certain times in their lives, such as when they go to school or change jobs. Some people go for decades without taking medication, while others do not take medication until they are in a situation where they need it.

It is also unreasonable for some affiliates to require applicants not to take medication for a period of time before applying for a medical waiver.

The Air Force, for example, recommends that applicants not take any medication for 15 months. Other units may insist on two years, as outlined in previous DOD rules.

Whatever the length of time, there is no clinical evidence to support this, as it only takes about a week for the stimulant to completely disappear from the body after stopping treatment.

Regarding IEPs, what difference does it make if a student has an IEP 14 years later? Many people need help with organization, structure, accountability, etc. throughout high school; it doesn’t matter how organized or responsible they are in their 20s.